Kevin Fahling, age 14, of Peoria, I11., for his question:

WHERE DID THE METRIC SYSTEM COME FROM?

In France late in the 18th century, a formula of measurement called the metric system was invented. Used in the new system as a standard of length were dimensions related to the earth rather than to the dimensions of a man.

Units in the system are defined so they relate to each other in units of 10, fitting into the decimal system.

There's also a relationship between units of length, volume and mass. Basic unit of length is the meter (about 39.37 inches) with volume based on the cube of a length measure, such as a cubic centimeter. Mass and weight are based on the standard kilogram with temperature measured on the centigrade, or Celsius, scale.